Sony A5100 shutter count determination

Sony embeds information on the number of actuations that the shutter of a A5100 has undertaken in
EXIF data. These metadata are saved alongside each and every image file. EXIF-readers, such as the App below,
can read this information and, thus, convey how many shots a camera has taken so far. The shutter count is particularly
useful as an indicator of how intensively a Sony Alpha A5100 has been used and what remains in terms of the lifespan of the camera shutter.

How many images has my A5100 taken up to now?

In order to find out how many shots your camera has taken, just upload a new, unedited image using the
dialog box below. Both JPG and RAW file formats will work, with smaller jpg-files uploading faster. Your image will
be deleted from the server once the exif-information has been obtained.

Drop Your Image File Here

or

Click to Select from Computer

The shutter count corresponds to the number of images your Sony A5100 has captured with its mechanical shutter. Mechanical focal-plane shutters
consist of a pair of light-tight curtains that move to uncover the sensor during the exposure time. Every
actuation, that is every shutter opening and closing, will cause some minimal wear and tear that will eventually result in malfunction
and the need for repair or replacement. A shutter can fail completely on one incident, but more likely it will deteriorate gradually. It becomes
unreliable when shooting at high shutter speeds or the first and second curtains get out of sync, so that the shutter speed becomes inaccurate. If
these warning signs appear, it is time to take action and get your camera shutter replaced.
Shutter replacement costs generally fall into the range of US$200 to US$400, plus the hassle
of having to send the camera to the Sony service center.

That said, the actuation count is not just an indicator on whether or not the shutter might soon need to be replaced, but more
generally on the overall condition of your A5100. A high shutter count indicates that the camera has been intensively
used and probably also been subject to more bumps and knocks, more frequent exposure to dust, and more recurrent usage in the rain than a A5100
that has been kept in a drawer most of the time and therefore shows a low actuation count. As a result, second-hand buyers on Ebay or Craigslist
are willing to offer a higher price for a A5100 with a low number of shutter releases than for one with a high actuation count.

What is the shutter life expectancy of my Sony A5100?

Shutter life ratings differ across cameras, ranging from 50 000 shots for entre-level models to
500 000 actuations for some professional cameras. While Sony does not provide any indication on shutter life expectancy, comparable cameras from other
manufacturers have shutters that last for at least 100 000 actuations. However, it is important to note
that the shutter rating does not provide a guarantee of a certain photo count before shutter maintenance or replacement are needed. The shutter might fail
earlier, or it could last longer without causing any problems. The shutter rating should, thus, be seen as representing a statistically determined failure average or
Mean Time Before Failure.

Most photographers are unlikely to come close to the shutter life expectancy of their imaging tools. For example, if one were
to take 100 photos each and every day, this would mean 3 000 actuations per month and
36 000 shots per year.
In this case, one would reach a count of 100 000 images in about three years. Few people use their cameras
as regularly and intensively, and if they do, their cameras might well be up for a replacement after three years anyway for reasons
other than shutter failure. Nevertheless, shutters do sometimes break down during photo sessions and such adverse events are getting more likely
as the shutter count increases.

Camera comparisons

Does your Sony A5100 show an elevated shutter count? Is it time to start thinking about a camera upgrade? Check out how
different cameras – new and not quite as new – compare in terms of size, sensors, features, and their reception by expert reviewers
by selecting two comparators from the menu below. You will then promptly be taken to a detailed side-by-side comparison.